Group Leisure & Travel Show: the countdown is on

We catch up with the organisers of this year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show to find out how preparations are coming along for the UK’s most important exhibition for group organisers.

The GLTS is now less than two months away, and the team at GLTS HQ is gearing up for what’s set to be a bigger and better event than ever before.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on Thursday 12th October, the show will host a vast range of exhibitors, including top attractions, tourist boards, and accommodation providers, ticketing agencies, coach companies and tour operators – all ready to look after groups.

Here, some of the organising team explain why the Group Leisure & Travel Show is one event you definitely won’t want to miss this year.

Communication is key, says Graham Yandell, show director of GLTS

In these days of internet and search engines there is always a temptation to think personal contact is no longer required. In the group travel market however, personal contact and relationship building remains fundamental to good practice.

The success of the GLTS over the last 21 years is testimony to the fact that GTOs (and coach operators) see the show as an inspiring and relaxing way to reinforce relationships and forge new links with others at a key planning time in the calendar, when inspiration is most needed.

Our job is to keep the exhibition experience valuable for everyone and to make GLTS not just the biggest, but maintain it as the must do annual event for the sector. I know the team here are really excited and looking forward to another great day on 12th October.

Attention to detail is our watchword, says Emma Cash, the show organiser

A modern vibrant event like GLTS has to deliver and must meet the expectations of both visitors and exhibitors. Everyone makes such an effort either to travel and visit, or to exhibit.

GTOs and coach operators need to make the most of the opportunities provided and we know how important a visit to our show is, and also how important it is to make it valuable and enjoyable for them.

Free parking for bona fide pre-registered guests is just one way we try to help and good seating resources for visitors, a nice bacon butty to start the day and free or assisted travel are just some of the things we do. Not forgetting the fantastic free seminars from our celebrity line up!

There is a difference, says Sharon Yandell, GLTS sales manager

The reason we get such a high percentage of repeat business and repeat visitors who see the show as a must-do date in the group travel calendar is, quite simply, the fact that it delivers at all levels.

Our post show research following the 2016 event confirmed that satisfaction levels are at an all-time high and this year stand bookings have reflected that, being well in front of the curve from the start of the sales period compared to past years, as the show expands into a bigger hall. Of course the venue and the infrastructure of the GLTS sets it apart too.

Our team never forgets that visitors have choices about where they get information, or that our exhibitors need a return on investment, and that’s why we work so hard to make the show the best in the business.

Important information for visitors

• When: 10am until 4pm on Thursday 12th October,

• Where: Hall 18, NEC Birmingham

• Transport: Complimentary coach transfers will also be available and details are expected in the coming months. Visitors to the NEC can also get discounts with Virgin Trains

• Visitor registration: It’s open for free entry – and if you register now you can qualify for the show’s special free parking offer, saving £12*.

How to exhibit

Companies interested in exhibiting at the GLTS should contact Sharon Yandell for more information and advice on how the show can help increase their groups business. Telephone 01908-613323 or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.

*Terms and conditions apply to visitor registration and the free parking offer.